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LOCAL EVENTS 



AND 



mCIDEITS AT HOME. 



f 



TO THE 

HONORABLE WILLIAM A. CARSON, 

mayor of moultrieville. 

Dear Carson, 

As a slight but sincere token of respect, for your official 
station, and. of gratification derived from your society during 
our long friendship, I inscribe to you the following Sketches, 
descriptive of certain local events and incidents of interest, in 
your immediate vicinity. 

Should they be received with favor by the public generally, 
other " Incidents at Home" of a like character, will probably 
follow from my pen in another edition, uniform with this. 
Your obliged friend, 

JOHN B. IRVING. 
Charleston, S. C, August 1850. 




QUU UAUl^Qmi ^TEhMEm 



lUi spiimiferos glomerant a pectore fluctus." 

Statius. 



I 




T is quite interesting to contemplate the 
vast increase of Steam Boats on our waters 
witliin a few years, and to see their effect 
upon the transportation of the good people 
who reside in proximity to the different 
points at which the said Steamers touch in 
their different trips, throughout the day. 
_We are now more particularly alluding to 
"^ the Ferry Boats that ply between Charles- 
^~' ton, Mount Pleasant and Sullivan's Island, 
known generally as Hillard's Line of Steamers. At almost every 
hour in the day, may be seen one or other of these Boats ploughing 
the stream, whose placid bosom, not long since was only ruffled by 
the intermittent oar of some isolated Ferryman — " the tugged oar," 
a striking contrast to the noise of the ceaseless 2:)addles of those 
floating bridges, that now make a highway for hundreds of daily 
voyagers. If the good folks of the olden times, who were content to 
patronize the row boats and sail boats between our City, Sullivan's 
Island, or other points in our Harbour, could only awake from their 
sleep, arise and behold the present state of things, and compare it 
with the past, they w'ould doubtless in amazement lost, ask with 
one of the characters, drawn by Sheridan Knowles, in one of his 
popular plays, 

"Marry, what things are these?" 
and the answer could only be, in the words of another of the char- 
acters introduced in the same piece, 
1 



OUR HARBOUR STEAMERS. 

" In sooth, monsters — 
Tliat thro' a throat, as black as Erebus, 
Disirorge dense smoke, and vomit (iei-y sparks. 

They run 
On mystic wheels, which plough the river's breast, 
To ceaseless furrows of white milky spray." 

But to descend from poetry to plain prose, there is no question, 
that tliese cheap conveyances from the City to the suburbs, consti- 
tuting as they do, as regular a vehicular communication, and as 
much to be relied upon, as if our transit was over a bridsre, are the 
greatest conveniences for many, very many of our citizens, that 
Charleston has witnessed for some time. Facilities for travel will 
always cause increase of travel, particularly when combined with 
cheapness. As the fare now is only ten cents to Sullivan's Island 
and the other intermediate landing, the temptation to frequent 
change of air is irresistible, with all sorts and conditions of our 
people. Some idea may be formed of the business doing by this 
Company, when we assert, that thousands upon thousands of pas- 
sengers are computed to have used the Company's Boats during the 
last spring and summer, the number doubling every month, or near- 
ly so — the exact number we do not feel at liberty to give. This 
insures a handsome revenue and profit, independent as it is of the 
income arising from the daily freight paid by the farmer and plan- 
ter on his stock, crop, &c., brought to market. 

As all the Boats going from or returning to the City, stop at 
Mount Pleasant, great improvements have been made at that point 
for the accommodation of visitors. A long wharf has been built at 
the Company's expense, at the end of which a fine pier has been 
so constructed, that no matter what the time of tide, passengers 
are enabled to land or embark without the slightest inconvenience. 

Mount Pleasant is now becoming a populous and thriving vil- 
lage, by being brought, by aid of these Steam Boats, much nearer 
to the City, than it was before — summer retreats are multiplying 
and lining its borders on the bay, and a large Hotel is on the full 
tide of successful experiment, admirably well kept, as we under- 
stand — a great accommodation to transient visitors, or families, who 
may only desire temporary change of air during the summer — 
good rooms being procurable by the week or day at very reasona- 
ble rates. 

The names of the diiFerent Boats, which constitute the Line, of 
which we are now speaking, are " The Coffee," " The Mount 



OUR HARBOUR STEAMERS. 

Pleasant," " The Hibben," and " The Massasoit." New ones will 
be added of course, as the business still further increases. They 
leave the City from Market Wharf at stated intervals, throughout 
the day, and return with like regularity. " The Massasoit" and 
" Coffee," being the fastest of the Boats, either one or the other 
every Wednesday and Saturday during the year makes a trip up 
Cooper River, for the accommodation of the planters in that region 
round about. 

In addition to the Boats already mentioned, the safe and expedi- 
tious Steamer " The Governor Aiken," makes frequent trips to 
Fort Johnson and to Morris' Island, and also to that once popular 
resort of pic nic parties, Mathews' Ferry, in Christ Church, convey- 
ing passengers thither for a few cents; and also, when specially en- 
gaged by parties, " by the particular request of several persons of 
distinction," as Sylvester Daggerwood would say, it progresses as 
far as the Village up the Wando, thus enabling the planters in 
lower St. Thomas's and in Christ Church Parish, to visit their plan- 
tations and inspect their crops, with safety and comfort during the 
summer. 

In this connection we may mention a still further accommodation 
that these Steamers are now affording from time to time, to another 
class of our fellow-citizens, \vhom we little dreamt would avail 
themselves of an opportunity in this way, pleasantly to beguile an 
hour. We allude to our City Belles and Beaux, who having upon 
occasions made up parties, for an afternoon or moonlight ride upon 
the beach at Sullivan's Islgjnd, ship their horses in Charleston, and 
after reaching the Cove, disembark them; then take a delightful 
canter for a couple of hours, reaching in that time the extremity of 
the Island, and retracing their steps, get back to the City at the hour 
they would return from a ride on the Battery, or on the Charleston 
Neck — having escaped the dust and crowd incidental to, and inse- 
parable from, the purlieus of a city, besides having breathed a 
purer air and benefited by a more invigorating exercise. 

No scene can be more entrancing to persons in a particular mood 
of mind, than the one viewed by moonlight from the beach of Sul- 
livan's Island. The long and sullen swell of the Atlantic, breaking 
upon the sands beneath our feet, and " the yellow beam" dancing 
merrily, upon the luminous waters. On the land side, as we ride 
on, Fort Moultrie with its gateway, and its narrow postern, and its 
ramparts, well provided with wall pieces, call up the usual associ- 



OUR HARBOUR STEAMERS. 

ations of the patriotic Past — across tlic moonlit Bay, Fort Sumter 
throws a dim shadow — still further on, Fort Johnson is faintly 
discernible, and further and fainter still, the outline of the City may 
be traced in the dusky distance. Seaward, the Beacons are seen on 
Morris' Island, like glow-worms " to pale their uneffectual fires," 
in the sweet moonlight; and the Light House beyond, peeps occa- 
sionally with a transitory glance over the glittering ocean, like some 
•weary centlnel, as it were dozing at his post, tired with overwatch- 
ing. 

But above all these various objects for the reveries of the Poet, 
who knows what feelings, the softness of an hour upon a moonlit 
beach may awaken ? Moonlight has a wonderful influence upon 
the brain of some persons, but particularly so on the young and the 
ardent. How common it is to hear, that such and such a one, poor 
thing, has been moonstruck, affected by one of the various degrees 
of that distressing malady. Lord Byron remarked, 

" The Devil's in the moon for mischief." 

"We verily believe, therefore, whenever two young people, " who 
love the moon," find themselves riding together in the silvery light, 
the supposed influence of that glorious orb begins to act at once 
upon the brain of each, and if they were not mad enough to be in 
love with each other previously, they are sure to become ravingly 
so, before they have jogged along very far together, or their ride is 
completed. 

A calm sky ahove — the deep and dark blue ocean, smooth and 
unmoved on the surface, yet with its under currents, and unseen 
eddies beneath, like the under currents and unseen eddies of feeling, 
sometimes at work in an apparently unmoved human heart; the 
graceful waves, which become as they approach the shore, more 
and more agitated every moment, like brides going up to the altar, 
in the agitation of happy love ; the balmy air, the stillness 

"Which leaves room for the full soul 
To open all itself, without the power 
Of calHng, wholly back its self control." 

All these things, with the fair moon for a companion, and something 
fairer still, are potent to produce a sentiment, and sympathy in 
young and confiding hearts. Something is looked — something is 
thought, though not perhaps openly expressed, that fixes the desti- 
ny of two susceptible hearts forever. 



A FISHING EXCURSION. 

How mysterious is sympathy! How wonderful the effect that 
one young person can infuse, though undeclared by words, a por- 
tion of his own feeling, into the heart of another! 

From what we have thus so cursorily said, may be inferred the 
vast revolution effected in the relations of our little Society by the 
accommodation afforded by our Harbour Steamers. We will not 
stop, however, to enlarge upon this topic, but invite the reader, if 
he has a few moments to spare, to suppose us having embarked in 
one of these Boats, aud that we have safely landed at Sullivan's 
Island; — we must, then, beg him to leave the Steamer, and go along 
with us in imagination, a little further than the Island, on a jyleasant 
jislimg excursion, which we took a few days since, and around which, 
it will be our endeavor to throw an interest in the next article. 



Only look, what choice fish 
For an Epicure's dish. 




iA.NY encouraging preparations we wit- 
nessed going on, to insure good sport, and 
to make a social day of it, on our reaching 
the locus in quo, appointed for the meet on 
the Island. The different members of the 
rty appeared in excellent spirits, as they got 
trim built wherries in order, and arranged their 
"chicken fixens," bait, &c. &c., in their proper places. 
The boats, after a little, being properly manned, were 
shoved off in gallant style, and rounding the Island, 
entered the Cove, crossed " Lee's Bridsfe," the lono- 
line of which may still be detected at low and half tide, the project- 
ing portions of which, resembling the rough back of that extraor- 
dinary creature the Sea-serpent, as described by affrighted mariners 
who have, or think they have, seen that famous monster of the 
Deep ! 

We were enabled from the favorable time of tide on this occasion, 
to pull right over a portion of the remains of this old revolutionary 



A FISHING EXCURSION. 

work, shortening the distance to Santee Point, wliich we were ma- 
king for. We soon entered the Santee Cut, passed through "Poin- 
sett's Cut off," kept our way due East for Breach Inlet, lying at 
the eastern extremity of Sullivan's Island, and separating it from 
Long Island. 

It was at this last named point, Long Island, that the British 
landed during the revolution, intending to besiege Fort Sullivan on . 
the rear, but were compelled to change their plans, in consequence 
of discovering, that the Inlet was not fordable, as they supposed. 

The morning being a very pleasant one, we had a fine pull 
down — we started in company with other boats of the Club, but 
no sooner had we doubled the Santee Point, than we discerned the 
Fort Boat, known as " Tlie Dream," well manned, as it always is, 
getting under way, and bound to the same destination with our- 
selves. Immediately, as is common on all these occasions, a spirit 
of emulation arose in the respective crews. They put on all the 
steam in their power, and merrily the boats made their way through 
the gently yielding current. 

We must mention liere, that the boat in which we had the honor 
of being assigned a seat, is known now as " The Stranger,^' belong- 
ing to Col. Carson. She was formerly the Quarter Boat of the ship 
Switzerland, Capt. Hunt, but by some accident or another, had her 
sides stove in, sustaining so much injury, that Capt. Hunt did not 
deem her worth repairing, and was about to cut her up for fire- 
wood, when Col. Carson interposed, and saved her from such de- 
secration. He had her fragments gathered up, and sent to his 
place. Dean Hall on Cooper River, where he had her put in com- 
plete order, under his own superintendence, by one of his own 
plantation mechanics. " The Stranger" is now a beautiful boat, 
and hard to beat, either in her finish, or speed, when in good trim, 
and opposed to an equal number of oars, four oars being her com- 
plement. 

It was a spirit-stirring scene to witness these two boats, " The 
Stranger'' and " The Dream,'' not long after they got fairly un- 
der way, single themselves out for a trial of speed. The pace 
soon became too good for the other boats that had started in compa- 
ny, so as we say sometimes in describing a race on another arena, 
they were "tailed off," considerably at the finis] l. " The Stranger" 
was some distance in advance at the first go off, but the Fort Boat 
with determined energy, stole a march upon her. As she neared us, 



A FISHING EXCURSION. 

however, our crew not liking the close proximity of her rival, and 
to be caught napping at their post on such an occasion, (our friend 
P. W. Knapp, Esq., wd^s at the helm in the Fort Boat — hence the 
pun,) bent well to their work, and with all their might and main 
held way with her. For a mile and a half both boats ploughed 
away with determined and praise worthy energy. Each steersman 
with great judgment, and evident knowledge of the current, secon- 
ded their oarsmen in their strenuous endeavors, by trying to take 
advantage of the eddy, so as to alter their position favorably in the 
race. " The Dream" was rowed well, and having the advantage 
of oars, pulling six to " The Stranger's" four, it was only by the 
fine, even, and lasting stroke that Col. Carson's crew kept up, that 
they were able to mamtain their way as well as they did, and just 
ere they reached "the haven where they would be," to make a 
final spurt, and to place the nose of their boat in a line with their 
untiring competitor ! 

It is said, that music has power sometimes to work miracles — 
to make men perform wonders — at all events, that a svi^eet familiar 
air can sometimes convert by its soothing influence even the most 
arduous toil into a pleasure. We thought we would try its effect 
upon the present occasion, and see whether it would avail to sti- 
mulate our oarsmen into still greater exertions. Whilst they were 
bending, therefore, with all their might and main at the oar, we 
struck up for their especial benefit and relief, the favorite air of 

" 'Tis all but a dream at the best." 

Whether this philanthropic device of ours produced any good effect 
or availed to beguile them of any porlion of their fatigue, as they 
gallantly pulled along, " this deponent sayeth not," nor will he with 
his characteristic modesty, pretend to decide the point. 

We must not omit to mention that we witnessed an interesting 
spectacle as we passed along a little to the east of old Spanish Fort 
— a spectacle well calculated to impart a lesson of humility to those 
who may be weak enough to be exalted too high in their own esti- 
mation by the honors of this world. ]t was no less imposing a 
spectacle, than " a Lord of the Isles," David Truesdell, Esq., 
humbly engaged in his vocation at low water mark, separating and 
planting oysters,—'' a Governor of the East," as he calls himself, 
that is, of the eastern part of Sullivan's Island; an F. R. S:, as he 
is sometimes dubbed, not as bearing the empty title, usually under- 



A FISHING EXCURSION. 

Stood by these hieroglyphics, to mean, a Fellow of the Royal Socie- 
ty ; but an F. R. S., symbolical of the enviable distinction of a 
Fellow of the Royal Secret, or Master of the Royal Gastronomic 
Art of cooking Shelfish to perfection — i^ried, /Coasted or <Stewed! 
But we have now reached our fishing ground, and anchored 
near the Breakers — our boat keeps bobbing up and down, or we 
ought more poetically to say, 

" Bounds beneath mc, as a steed 
That knows his rider," 

with a motion however, rather unpleasant to weak stomachs ; but 
our hooks are baited, and we have no time to think of sea-sickness. 
" Bless me," what a bite — -jerked is the line, but the fellow is off 
— why what a voracious rascal ! 

" I liav(! him," says another of our crew, and sure enough with 
better luck, he drags him to the surface — why, it is a young shark 
— how he resists with determined energy every effort made to haul 
him out of the water — his fins are busily at work wilh immense 
power, beating the water by his side, like the paddles of a small 
steamer, but he is finely hooked, and he cannot tear himself loose — 
with one tremendous flirt, however, just as he is about to be dragged 
into the boat, he severs the line, as if it was a cambric thread, 
breaks away, and disappears from our sight, soon to sport again in 
the depths of his native element! 

Now, we have another nibble; — what a contrast to the last vora- 
cious rascal. This is some lazy little fellow, or dainty gentleman, 
that must needs taste the dish offered to him, before he ventures to 
devour it. He finds it a more tempting morsel that he at first anti- 
cipated, for he has laid hold, and up he comes — he seems angry, 
however, at the liberty taken with him, in being dragged so unce- 
remoniously from his quiet bed, for he is croaking, and making a 
great noise, complaining as it were at our unfeeHng conduct, as we 
drop him into the basket. 

This was a " Croaker" — a fish, that always makes a peculiar 
croaking noise, when caught. Like certain good old testy gentle- 
men, who though in a terrible passion, are too circumspect and dig- 
nified to indulge in any more decided manifestation of bad feeling, 
than by a little harmless grumbling. 

If fish will keep nibbling at bait, they must expect at last, to get 
a hook in their gills. "We found this to be the case, for our lines 



A FISHING EXCURSION. 

on both sides of our boat, after the exercise of a little patience on 
our part, were busily employed for a couple of hours, in hauling 
up the different varieties offish, commonly caught in our waters, 
— Whiting, Trout, Croaker, Sailor's Choice, Chubb, Bream, 
Sheepshead, and our favorite Cavalli, proving the truth of the old 
adage, that " there is as good fish in the sea, as ever were taken 
out of it." 

We will not pretend to enter into any thing Hke a scientific des- 
cription of the different fish we caught, so as to mark their species 
distinctly. Such an effort would be too didactic for a Hght article 
like the present. Those of our readers who may desire the minu- 
test and most scientific information upon the fishes of our waters, 
can readily obtain it by reference to the works of Professor Hol- 
BROOK — a Naturalist of whom our State may well be proud, beino- 
now received and quoted as authority, in Europe and elsewhere, 
wherever knowledge is appreciated and science honored ! 

It will be enough for us to notice a few of the most marked pe- 
culiarities of the fish we caught-— apparent from inspection to the 
most casual observer, in pulling them out of the water. 

The Chubb or Cyprinus, and the Bream or Brama Marina, be- 
long to a very numerous genus in ichthyology— their mouth is 
without teeth ; but it is said that towards the orifice of the stomach, 
they have two serrated bones which answer the purpose of teetli. 
The Chubb is of a silvery color, with a very thick head — in fact, it 
takes its name from the size of its head — perhaps, I cannot better 
describe one of them, than in the language of a negro fisherman, 
who upon my asking him one day, what he thought of this fish, 
laconically replied, " why you don't see, he berry chubby fellow, 
maussa." 

The Troiit io an inhabitant both of the sea and rivers. There are 
several species, with which, however, we have nothing to do at 
present, confining ourself to the salt water Trout, as we must needs 
do. The kind caught in the sea, has its body variegated with 
spots, with scales moderately large, and placed in an imbricated 
manner. It is not regarded as a good eating fish. In our opinion, 
it is only rendered tolerably tolerable, by being soaked in strong salt 
and water for ten minutes, previous to boiling. 

Blach Fish, is a coarse fish — it affords sport, however, in the 
catching, for they sometimes bite on their own ground with great 
voracity, by which frequently two or three are drawn up at a 
2 



20 A FISHING EXCURSION. 

draught — one on every liook baited on a line. This sport much 
resembles roach fishing in England, as we have seen it described. 

The Cat Fish we pass over with contempt. Even a nigger 
fisherman, when he pulls one up, losing all patience at his bad 
luck, promptly cuts his throat, and throws him back into the sea — 
he don't like to see such fellows *' a talcing Ms bait J' 

The Whiting, or Gadus, is a species of fish frequent in our har- 
bour, and on our coast, at a certain period of the year, and is much 
esteemed at our tables. The color of the "Whiting when first taken 
from the water is very beautiful — a silvery white, except on the 
back, which is tinged with a delicate pink tint, with an occasional 
admixture of a darker tinge ; the scales are small, roundish and 
white ; the teeth arc very numerous, and the eyes large. 

The Shecjy' s-hcad, is another highly prized fish among us. The 
form of its mouth, and a certain smuttiness of the face having a dis- 
tant resemblance to the physiognomy of the sheep, gives it its name. 
Its teeth are large and distinct, its incisors in front of jaws, almost 
like those in the human head. The roof and bottom of its mouth 
are beaded, armed with round molar teeth, which enables it, being 
a luxurious feeder, to crush barnacles and young stone crabbs, its 
favorite food. Its eyes are large, and connected by a prominent 
brow. Its head is united to its body without any proper neck. Its 
color is generally a dull white, approaching to cream color, with a 
smutty daubbing over the face and chin, and horizontal streaks of 
a dark color on its sides. Its scales are large, deeply inserted into 
the skin, and adhering with remarkable firmness and tenacity. 

The Sheepshead varies much in size — those we have caught 
have been from half a pound to two pounds — they have been 
caught as large as fourteen pounds, and we have authority for say- 
ing that one was taken off our Bar some years ago that weighed 
eighteen pounds. 

A scientific friend informs me, that he has assisted in the dissec- 
tion of the Sheepshead, both in Charleston and New- York, (taken 
in Long-Island sound,) and does not hesitate to say that the Sheeps- 
head of the North and the South, are the same, though formerly 
there existed a doubt on the question. 

The Cavalli, or Crevalle is another delightful fish, to be found 
HI our waters near Charleston, during certain months in the year. 
Its specific characters are a body elevated, compressed — the eye 



A FISHING EXCURSION. ^ ^ 



large, nostrils wide, the mouth small, lips thick and fleshy, the jaws 
without teeth, though in the smaller posterior pharyngeal bones, 
most commozily a few dull bony substances like teeth, can be ob- 
served; the scales are very small, and deeply imbedded in the skin. 
^ When first taken from the water, this fish is of a most brilliant 
silver color, but it soon becomes clouded with a pale blue above, 
along the back, and assumes a bright golden colour below ; it is mi- 
gratory in its habits, appearing in the waters near our city in the 
spring, remaining during the summer, generally disappearing by 
the end of October; he is found along the Atlantic shores of Ame- 
rica, from Brazil to New- York ; abounds in the Gulph of Mexico, 
and IS known at New-Orleans as the Pomptjmse, doubtless a cor- 
ruption o^Pampanus, the genus to which the Crevalle belongs. 

We have endeavored to be somewhat particular in our notice of 
the three last named fish ; namely, the Whiting, the Sheepshead, 
and the Crevalle. We wished to treat them with all due respect, 
for they are admitted to be, par excellence, thejish of our waters ! 
We, perhaps, do not err in judgment, nor run the risk of our judg- 
ment being appealed from to better judges, when we go a little 
further and pronounce the opinion, that the Crevalle is the hcstfish 
tn the world! In sincerity we think so, and therefore wish all our 
friends to take notice and govern themselves accordingly, that we 
vnW not consider ourself imposed upon, at any time, to be invited to 
dine upon it, at the shortest possible notice. 

The common mode of fishing in our waters is with a plumb line 
—a flat piece of lead placed on a fine about a foot from the hooks, 
which are generally three in number, two swinging from each side 
of the lead, and one attached about six inches above it. The line 
thus weighted, enables the fisherman to throw his line to a reasona- 
ble distance, and as soon as it reaches the bottom, it is gradually 
drawn along, so as to keep up a gentle motion, by which the bait is 
continually in attractive action, inviting the attention of the fish it is 
intended to victimize. Shrimp is the bait preferred and commonly 
used when procurable, but other expedients have to be resorted to 
at different seasons. But although as we have said, this is the usu- 
al practice in fishing in our waters. Wade Hampton, Jr., who is 
now on a visit to our sea shore for a few weeks, known as one of 
the most indefatigable and accomplished anglers of his day, sur- 
prized us, by using a rod and reel with great success. It is quite 



12 



A FISHING EXCURSION. 



amusing to see the astonishment depicted in the countenances of 
our colored fishermen, (who never before witnessed the art of ang- 
gling disphiyed in this particular way,) as Hampton gracefully 
throws his line the distance of many feet, and as soon as he gets a 
bite, from large or small fish, lifts him into his basket with unerring 
skill. This real disciple of old Isaac Walton was exceedingly am- 
bitious on his first arrival among us, to capture a Shark, which he 
maintained he would be able to do with his rod and line, witli as 
much case, as was generally accomplished by a hand line. He had 
not been out fishing many times, before his wish was gratified. He 
hooked a good sized Shark, and pulled him up in fine style. His 
line had been thrown out, as usual, several feet, and had reached 
the bottom. It had not been there many minutes, 

When he was sure 
He felt a bite, he ne'er had felt before. 

Prom the first tug, it seemed as if there could be no escape for the 
daring adventurer — he ^vas firmly hooked — when Hampton relying 
iiponthe goodness of his tackle and his skill, did not think it even 
worth while to play him, in the hope of first tiring him out, but at 
once boldly began to take in his line. Steadily he handled his rod. 
Soon through the clear water, could be traced, as he approached the 
boat, the dark outline of the animal. As he catches a glimpse of us, 
he turns and tries to be off, but not being able to make good his 
retreat, he flounders and whips the waves in very madness, trying 
to escape his doom. The reel is loosened for a moment, and we 
hear its music, like the hum of many bees, but only for a moment 
— it is again silent, and wound up gradually. After a few more 
minutes spent in splashing, flouncing and flapping on the surface of 
the water, by a dexterous exercise of gentle violence, he is expert- 
ly whipt out of the sea — for a second he is seen dangling in the air, 
and then he is triumphantly lodged in the bottom of the boat. 

Col. Carson measured and weighed this Shark, who reported 
him to be four feet in length, and twenty pounds in weight — a 
small Shark, when compared with some we have seen caught in 
our harbour, but yet very large to be captured in the manner we 
have described. 

We ought to mention, perhaps, that the rod Mr. Hampton uses, 
is a long cane, such as are generally known among us on the sea- 



A FISHING EXCURSION. J 3 

board in Carolina, as Santee cane, but seasoned and prepared in a 
particular manner, to give them pliancy and strength, for the pui*- 
poses of fishing. We understand, there is a particular mode of 
seasoning these canes, known only to a few persons, and to which 
process, when the cane is subjected, it has no longer any brittle 
properties, but it becomes most enduring and elastic. " " It will 
hend, not break .'" as has been so scandalously said of woman's 
heart ! 

A negro fellow belonging to Col. Hampton, at the Woodlands 
near Columbia, possesses the secret, as to the process by which 
these canes are prepared, but he cannot be induced to divulge it. 
The process is a very slow one, requiring two years to complete. 
The cane Hampton uses, was taken from the swamps of the Con- 
garee River, and was prepared by the fellow we have alluded to, 
and we presume will hold any fish, that human power, aided by 
human skill, can control. 

At the hour appointed for dinner, with one consent the boats re- 
paired to the Club House, a rude though comfortable hut, con- 
structed for the accommodation of fishing parties upon the borders 
of the inlet, where we were fishing, a fire was lighted, and the best 
of our fish, selected for our repast, fresh out of the water, were 
cooked artistically in the boiling fat of good sweet pork. They 
were handed to us hot and hot from the frying pan, and eaten with 
a relish and appetite, which needed no artificial sauce to heighten 
it — in fact, it is always readily admitted that no fish taste so well, 
and are so much enjoyed as those we catch ourselves, and eat in 
company with boon companions by the virater side. 

Dinner over, wit, mirth and music abounded. Having to return 
to the city that evening, we were compelled to take an unceremoni- 
ous leave of our social friends, and to shorten by several hours the 
day's agreeable entertainment. As we turned our back upon the 
cheerful company, and pushed off from the shore, with a favoring 
wind, " all sail set," there came wafted over the waters, in the 
evening breeze, unmistakble evidences of the excellent humor, " the 
friends were in, we left behind." We heard the welkin ring with 
hearty cheers, vociferated, as we subsequently learned, in compli- 
ment to a song adapted to the occasion, sung with a fine voice, and 
in excellent taste. The only response, we could give, was the echo 
of our good guns, as we amused ourselves on our inland sea-icay, 



J4. THE MOULTRIE HOUSE. 

in shooting at tlie Curlews, as they soared over our heads, return- 
ing from their daily haunts, and settling themselves for the night 
upon the ditterent sand banks on our route, "their custom always 
of an afternoon." 



tN addition to many other local improvements on Sullivan's 
Island, which have recently been made, a very commodious 
and convenient Hotel has just been built, and was opened 
for the reception of company on the 8th day of July last. The 
very appropriate title has been given to it of 

TlMld [M]@[y][L¥[^ai [H]@[lDi[E= 

The need of such an establishment has long been felt. Surprize 
has often been expressed, that whilst every other popular summer 
resort has been provided with adequate accommodations for all 
who might be desirous of patronizing them, Sullivan's Island 
should so long have remained subject to the objections, to which 
the absence of a large and well conducted Hotel always exposes a 
place, in the judgment of the public. A desideratum so long re- 
(juired, as to this locale, has at last last been supplied, and in a 
manner, which promises to afford general satisfaction. 

The Edifice in question, is at once elegant in its construction, 
and admirably suited to the purpose, for which it is intended, and 
is put together at the same time so strongly, as to render it storm 
proof. Its frame is of yellow pine, supported on brick piers, which 
rest on a grillage work consisting of heavy logs halved together at 
all joinings and crossings, and securely pinned together ; these 
logs run under the line of frame of the building, piazza sills, and all 
partitions, and are bedded on the sand below the line of the water. 
The building proper, is 256 feet long and 40 feet wide, with wings 
at end 100 feet long, 38 feet wide, with front piazza 16 feet wide, 
and back piazza 10 feet Avide. The central portion of the building 
projects in front, and continues up through the roof, forming an attic 
of two stories. Its situation, too, is most judicious, commanding an 



THE iMOULTRIE HOUSE. 



15 



inspiriting view of the Harbour and Bay of Charleston, and of the 
Sea — " the open Sea" — the surf of which dashes up on a wide beach* 
not many feet from the Hotel, and then breaks into little billows, 
which, as if instinct with life, keep continually chasing each other, 
like children in play, far up on the sand. A splendid beach conti- 
nues round to the very extremity of the Island, forming a fine 
Corso for a ride or drive of many miles, by twilight or moonlight, 
and affording facilities for bathing (by means of covered vehicles 
constructed for the purpose) to those who are disposed for a bath 
at any time in the surf. The climate is delicious and healthful. 
Here, no pestilential blasts of " villainous compounds offend ;" — 
no insufferable heat is experienced, that_;a^e5 us in the city through 
the day and night, thawing and resolving "our too, too solid flesh 
into a dew ;" — here, no discordant noise of the great Babel is 
heard ; but instead, the music of the Ocean is in our ears, with its 
bold harmonies, and the cool breeze, one "of nature's sweet resto- 
rers," comes wafted to us over the glad waters, from the sea, balmy 
and pure as a breath of Divinity. 

Through the politeness of H. W. Conner. Esq., under whose 
presidential management, aided by the supervision of the Building- 
Committee, the work most rapidly progressed, after its foundation 
was laid, we are enabled to present our readers with an accurate 
sketch of this fine building, from a woodcut by Nixon, an Eno-ra- 
ver of artistic repute. The cut is reduced in size from designs 
by Jones. It will be seen from our drawing, that it comprizes 
three compartments — the first floor — the second floor, and an attic 
above. The elevation of the building is 24 feet from the ground — 
the central portion forming the attic 60 feet — the length 256 feet, 
and the piazzas which, both on the first and second floor, extend 
beyond the building, are 284 feet. The latter, it will be seen, are 
supported by light ornamental pillars, within which a delightful 
promenade around the whole building is afforded to the boarders, 
at all times in good or bad weather, sheltering them from sun or 
rain. 

DESCRIPTION OF THE INTERIOR. 

Immediately on entering the front door, is a hall, at the end of 
which is the office and a staircase, right and left, leading to a lobby 
above, and a long passage way, which runs through the centre of 
the building, communicating with the bed rooms, which are calcu- 



16 



THE MOULTRIE HOUSE. 



lated to accommodnte 200 persons. Besides wliicli, exertions are 
now making by those interested, to add additional chambers, by- 
means of wings thrown out, calculated to accommodate a still fur- 
ther number. On this floor, in the centre projecting portion of the 
front, there is a Boudoir, sacred to the ladies, 25 by 30 feet, hand- 
somely furnished, having a Piano, and other instruments in it, 
specially provided for the pastime and improvement of the fair 
and accomplished inmates of the house, who happen to be musi- 
cally inclined. 

The Attic. — Having attained the second story, we approach the 
attic, which is reached by a second flight of steps — it constitutes an 
observatory — on entering which, a still more magnificent view of 
the ocean and other objects we have already alluded to, bursts upon 
the sight in front, and an vminterrupted view of a long line of 
country along the coast is obtained in the opposite direction — 
from eithev side, tlie prospect is interesting and extensive. 

The Fi?-st Floor. — On entering the front door, into the hall, al- 
ready described, on the left are bed rooms, and on the right a suite 
of handsome apartments, communicating with each other by fold- 
ing doors, continuing to the eastern extremity of the building ; when 
thrown together, they form a spacious Ball Room 110 feet long, 
25 feet wide. At the termination of this suite of drawing rooms, 
the windows in each being numerous and opening down to the 
floor, is a spacious saloon, or dining room, 90 feet long, and 28 feet 
wide. This is a veiy beautiful room indeed, in fact, the arrange- 
ments of the whole floor, are truly tasteful and imposing, and pos- 
sess attributes peculiarly well adaj^ted to the purposes for which 
the structure is intended; for when the whole suite of rooms are 
made to communicate by means of their folding doors, not only is 
a free circulation of cool air insured, but a Ball Room accommoda- 
tion can be had, including the Dining Room, to the extent of 283 
feet in length. Every part of the Hotel is well furnished — in ad- 
dition to the standing furniture of the establishment, ottomans, 
lounges, benches and easy seats of modern style, and most ap- 
proved, are liberally dispersed about in all situations, so as effec- 
tually to consult the comfort and convenience of visitors. 

In the rear of the building are the kitchens, with all the culinary 
apparatus necessary for so extensive an establishment. There are 
two large cisterns and pumps to supply the house with water ; at 



THE MOULTRIE HOUSE. 



17 



the north end of the west wing is located a large bath room for 
ladies, 60 feet long, and 38 wide ; it is constructed of concrete, and is 
supplied with water by a wind-mill, which will be in constant opera- 
tion — the excess of water, by means of a culvert which communi- 
cates with the Back Beach, passes through the building, and contri- 
butes to the purification of the premises. There are no chimneys, but 
arrangements are in progress td secure a warm atmosphere, should 
the inclemency of the weather at a later period of the year, require 
it. Thousands of our fellow-citizens have visited " The Moultrie 
House" — we have heard but one opinion expressed, of approba- 
tion of its design, and united conveniences. By every one, it is 
regarded as a very great desideratum to Sullivan's Island, promis- 
ing, as it does, independent of the loadstone it will prove to attract 
company to this locale, to be available for meetings, concerts, balls, 
convivial entertainments, and social and festive gatherings of all 
kinds, to which from the size of its rooms, and the completeness of 
its accommodations, it is admirably adapted. 

Attached to this establishment, are the usual buildings for stables 
and carriage houses — in short, every arrangement has been made, 
proper to insure the success of such an enterprize. Indeed, from 
the patronage that has already been bestowed upon it since its 
opening, our fellow-citizens seem duly to appreciate the laudable 
efforts that have been made, to consult their accommodation ; and 
as it is kept by a gentleman of experience, capable of conducting so 
extensive an establishment, and the desire seems apparent on all 
sides around us, for our families to stay more at home, than has 
been their wont of late years, giving a preference to their own wa- 
tering places and springs, to the places of fashionable resort at the 
North, we have little doubt that the Moultrie House, will consider- 
ably aid in bringing about this " consummation so devoutly to be 
wished," and in consequnnce of the comforts, and salubrity of at- 
mosphere it will afford, will induce numbers of our own people 
throughout our own State and Georgia, to visit the Island in future, 
to secure enjoyment and health at less expense, and trouble, than 
they would have to incur by venturing upon a trip further from 
home, to any of the Northern watering places. To all, in fact, who 
wish to combine comfort with pleasure, who are in pursuit of 
health, who desire not to go too far from home, avoiding the incon- 
venience and annoyance of being crammed into close rooms, and 
crowded Hotels elsewhere, the Moultrie House offers signal 
advantages. 3 



18 



THE MOULTRIE HOUSE. 



Again, it is our opinion that the establishment of this Hotel will 
induce many Northern families to come among us, and exchange 
an inliospitable clime for an hospitable one during the winter, cer- 
tain as they will be to find those comforts, which have often been 
inquired after, but hitherto looked for in vain, on our seaboard. 
We are confident the Hotel will be as well patronized during the 
winter, as the summer tnonths. The same reason that beguiles 
Southern families to visit the North in the summer, will induce our 
Northern friends to return the compliment, and interchange visits 
regularly with us during the winter. We know no less than five 
families that arrived in Charleston to spend last winter in our 
neighborhood, but not being able to procure lodgings, exactly to 
suit them, so that they could have the benefit of sea air, dispersed 
and sought other situations further South, either in the neighbor- 
hood of Savannah, Augustine, or Cuba. 

A very intelligent friend, who is as well qualified as any one in 
our community to form a correct judgment, as to what is proper to 
be done, to insure the success of this enterprize, has suggested the 
absolute necessity of a R,ail or Flank Road, being built from the 
Cove to the Hotel. The Cars to run steadily according to the 
hours of the landing and departure of the Steamboats. This 
would insure a steady and continuous patronage, both to the house 
and road, and multiply the number of visitors, from the facilities it 
would aftord of moving from point to point. The accommodation 
also, to families permanently settled for the summer, would be in- 
calculable, enabling many now, who are compelled to keep an 
equipage and horses, to dispense altogether with that heavy item of 
expense in house-keeping. This is a matter worth thinking of by 
those, who have so well begun the work of improvement on the 
Island. 

The expense of the erection of this establishment has been about 
$32,000 inclusive of all the furniture, decorations and fixtures, 
which has been raised in shares of $250 each, and the amount paid 
up. Although it was begun in a patriotic spirit by the proprietors, 
with no expectation that they would get any return from their 
subscriptions, yet there is every prospect that it will prove a hand- 
some speculation, and yield a good interest on the investment. 
The Officers of the Company are 



THE MOULTRIE HOUSE. 19 

H. W. Conner, President. 
J. Hart, Secretary. 

DIRECTORS. 

L. T. Potter, H. Frost, 

C. T. Lowndes, C. D. Carr, 

W, H. GiLLILAND, ChAS. JuGNOT, 

wlio have been very assiduous in forwarding the work. The Ar- 
chitect is Edward C. Jones, whose taste and judgment displayed by 
his plans, fully sustains his high professional reputation. We must 
not omit to award due approbation to Mr. J. P. & B. F. Earle, the 
Builders, whose indefatigable exertions and zeal, to get the Hotel 
ready for visitors this season, has entitled them to the respect of the 
public, and the Company that gave them the contract. Mr. Hart, 
the Secretary of the Board of Managers, is also entitled to commen- 
datory notice for his attention to his duties. 

To make our sketch more interesting, probably to many, we may 
state, that it is within a short distance of the sjiot, where in the pa- 
triotic past from sunrise to sunset. Col. Moultrie and his gallant 
compatriots, on a rude rampart hastily thrown up, and constructed 
of Palmetto logs, triumphed on the memorable 28th June 1776, 
defending with Spartan virtue the passess to our City, against a 
proud squadron and a gallant army. 

Upon them pour'd the ceaseless shot 
With unabating fury sent, 
From every Ship to Battlement .' 
Thunder-like, the pealing din 
Rose from each heated Culverin — 
Often, the shell's volcanic breath 
Wing'd its loud hissing globe of death .' 
But yet, no fragment from the wall 
Crumbled with the ponderous ball — 
The little Fortress guarded well, 
Remain'd throughout invincible ! 

We need only repeat that " The Moultrie House," is in full 
operation — "on the full tide of successful experiment;" but al- 
though well patronized, there is nevertheless room for more guests, 
and that our friends in the interior must bear in mind, they can 
always rely upon being well accommodated, whenever they desire 
to visit at any time for health, or diversion, this delightful and 
fashionable Retreat. Our own fellow-citizens, will always readily 
give way to them upon an emergency. 



'^f 



